Mortar Board
A mortar board is a square, flat hat with a tassel, traditionally worn as part of academic regalia by students and faculty during graduation ceremonies.
The mortar board, a distinct component of academic regalia, traces its lineage back to the 14th century. Originally worn by clergy and scholars alike, its evolution reflects the intertwining of religious and academic traditions. The flat, square shape correlates with the medieval biretta, a cap worn by scholarly clerics.
In the late Middle Ages, an era marked by substantial growth in collegiate institutions, the mortar board gained wider usage. It served as a unifying symbol of scholarship and academia’s ascendant role in society. By the 16th century, this cap became commonplace among students in European universities, particularly in England and France, although stylistic variations emerged.
It wasn’t until the 1800s, however, that the mortar board firmly established itself as an academic essential. This period’s trend toward formal schooling and university expansion saw the cap’s widespread adoption. During this time, academic attire became more standardized, providing a recognizable marker of intellectual rigor and achievement.
Throughout the 20th century, the mortar board cemented its iconic status in ceremonies across the United States, gradually becoming synonymous with graduation. Today, it remains a pivotal feature of academic dress globally, with its tassel-twirling moment capturing the joy of scholarly milestones.
The mortar board’s significance extends beyond academia into cultural celebrations and ceremonies. In many societies, the throwing of the graduation cap symbolizes the transition from student life to the broader adult world. The design, which dates back centuries, also reflects a blend of educational traditions and cultural heritage.
In cultures worldwide, the mortar board transcends mere academic accomplishment. For instance, while Western societies may view it primarily as a symbol of educational success, Indigenous communities might incorporate local materials or designs, infusing it with cultural significance. The customization of the cap has grown in popularity, with graduates often decorating their caps with personal messages or artwork, further emphasizing individuality within the framework of academic achievement.
Moreover, the communal aspect of wearing a mortar board allows graduates from diverse backgrounds to partake in a shared experience. The moment of tossing the cap into the air during graduations is an emblematic celebration echoing joy that transcends national barriers.
– The shape of the mortar board resembles a tool used by masons, which may be how it got its name.
– The tradition of throwing the mortar board into the air reportedly started at the U.S. Navy Academy in 1912.
– Tassel colors on the mortar board can indicate a student’s area of study or specific academic achievements.
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Graduation cap symbolizes academic achievement during commencement ceremonies, marking one’s transition from education to the next phase of life. Traditionally black, it denotes unity among graduates.
The mortar board has experienced various periods of heightened popularity, typically in tandem with educational transformations and societal changes. During the mid-20th century, as college attendance surged across the United States, the cap became a familiar symbol of academic achievement seen in countless graduation ceremonies.
The cultural revolution of the 1960s and 1970s brought its own flavor to the mortar board. As protests and progressive movements flourished, graduates began embracing individuality, leading to the personalization of graduation caps with art, messages, and symbols of identity.
This trend continues into the 21st century, with social media cementing the mortar board’s presence in viral graduation videos and memes. The online realm has allowed the tradition to evolve swiftly, with trends frequently emerging that reflect modern society’s humor, values, and challenges.
Additionally, contemporary trends reflect a growing concern for sustainability. Eco-awareness has prompted an uptrend in green graduation attire, with students and institutions increasingly opting for sustainably produced caps and gowns. In recent years, photographs of students clad in eco-conscious academic wear have spread widely across platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Overall, the mortar board remains emblematic not only of educational accomplishment but also of the broader evolution of academic and cultural expressions, keeping it continually relevant and celebrated.
With increasing awareness about sustainability, several innovations have propelled the mortar board into eco-friendly territory. Colleges like Stanford are setting examples by including biodegradable caps and gowns made from sustainable materials in their graduations. Tams and gowns composed of recycled nylon from old fishing nets serve as prime examples.
GreenWeaver, a brand specializing in eco-friendly academic regalia, uses recycled plastic bottles to create sustainable yarns. This innovative approach reduces waste and pollution and offers a unique, responsible option for graduates keen on minimizing their carbon footprint.
Other companies like Oak Hall Cap & Gown offer rental services, which are both convenient for students and considerably reduce waste by allowing the reuse of graduation attire. The practical idea of sewing used caps into tote bags or donating them for upcycling further promotes sustainability.
E-commerce giants, acknowledging the demand for sustainability, have incorporated eco-friendly options into their catalogs. From biodegradable packaging to caps designed for disassembly and recycling, efforts to sustain the tradition while cutting waste have gained traction worldwide.
– Journal: “Costume: The Journal of The Costume Society”
– Book: “The Well-Dressed Academic: The History of Academic Dress” by Meredith R. Clark
– Book: “Regalia: The Art and History of Academic Dress” by Thomas Jackson
– Book: “Caps and Gowns: The Origin and Evolution” by Lillian E. Slater
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